The Applus RTD Group announces the acquisition of CTS in France, a company specialized in nondestructive testing and inspection (NDT&I) for the oil and gas, chemical and other related industries.

Applus RTD, a global supplier of NDT, inspection and asset integrity management services, completed the acquisition of CTS on June 11, 2009.

CTS, a French company in business since 1985, is based on the Etang de Berre (near Marseille) with qualified activities for the major oil companies such as Total, Exxon and Shell. Strongly specialized in radiography, CTS has become a key player in NDT&I in France, extending its range of activities, including ultrasonic, magnetic and radiography, to meet the demands of its clients.

CTS is a major player in the south of France. Together with the existing organization of Applus RTD France in Lyon and Le Havre, Applus RTD expands its activities throughout France. Benefitting from the innovative technology and highly developed technical skills and experiences of the Applus RTD Group worldwide, CTS will be an integral part of the Applus RTD France operation. Thanks to the synergies between the different operations, Applus RTD has taken the next step to make its NDT&I through to asset integrity management services available throughout France.

Rob van Doorn, chief executive officer of the Applus RTD Group, highlighted the strategic importance of this acquisition. “Our company is already worldwide leader in NDT, inspection through to asset integrity management. To continue growing we needed to strengthen our presence in important areas like France. We are therefore very pleased to have CTS in our group. The acquisition of CTS fits perfectly in our ambitious growth plans. The Applus RTD Group is a decentralized type of organization which intends to work close to its customers. In all continents we have business units operating locally, but following RTD world standards in quality, safety, applications and technology. CTS will be integrated into the business unit Applus RTD France. We encourage local management to be full in charge of their operations, as a consequence we feel very confident that the management and employees of CTS will feel at home in the Applus RTD Group.”